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Botany Bay Heritage Preserve/Wildlife Management Area

Nature preserve in Edisto Island, South Carolina

Travel Tips

Pay the entrance fee for the state park and explore the local history museum. 1

50 minute drive from Charleston, rich in history and natural beauty. 2

Enjoy the local seafood and take scenic drives around the island. 3

Visit Edisto Beach State Park, Botany Bay Plantation, and the Edisto Island Serpentarium for a mix of natural and cultural experiences. 4

Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Edisto Island Serpentarium. 5

Explore Botany Bay and the island's nature reserve for a unique experience. 6

Introduction

History

• 🏛️ Origins: Botany Bay was formed from the merger of Sea Cloud and Bleak Hall Plantations.
• 📜 Sea Cloud: Established in 1695 by Christopher Hinkley, later acquired by Paul Hamilton Sr. in 1727.
• 🏠 Bleak Hall: Developed in the late 1790s by Daniel Townsend III, with a mansion built around 1805.
• 🧵 Cotton Production: Both plantations were known for producing high-quality Sea Island cotton.
• ⚔️ Civil War: The plantations were occupied by both Union and Confederate forces during the Civil War.
• 🌾 Post-War: Cotton production ceased in 1917 due to the boll weevil, and the land was used for timber.
• 🏞️ Modern Era: Purchased by Dr. James Greenway in the 1930s, later bequeathed to the state in 1977.
• 🌳 Public Opening: Opened to the public in 2008 as a heritage preserve and wildlife management area.

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Natural Attractions

• 🌲 Maritime Forest: Features pine, palm, and live oak trees draped in Spanish moss.
• 🏖️ Boneyard Beach: Known for its sun-bleached fallen and standing trees along the shore.
• 🐢 Wildlife: Home to deer, alligators, shorebirds, sea turtles, and various other species.
• 🌾 Flora: Includes sunflowers, pine trees, palm trees, sea oats, and century-old live oaks.
• 🦅 Birdwatching: Opportunities to see egrets, seagulls, painted buntings, and summer tanagers.
• 🌊 Tidal Marshes: Provide habitat for fish, shellfish, and numerous wildlife species.
• 🦀 Marsh Walk: A half-mile walk across a shell-packed trail through the marsh to the beach.
• 🌸 Wildflowers: Various wildflowers can be seen along the nature trails.

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Activities

• 🚶 Nature Trails: Explore trails through the maritime forest and past freshwater ponds.
• 🏖️ Beachcombing: Walk along the beach and discover unique seashells and fossils.
• 📸 Photography: Capture the stunning landscapes and historical ruins.
• 🦅 Birdwatching: Spot various bird species, including nesting sea turtles during the right season.
• 🚗 Driving Tour: A self-guided 6.5-mile driving tour is available with a guide from the information kiosk.
• 🏛️ Historical Exploration: Visit the ruins of plantation houses and outbuildings.
• 🛶 Kayaking: Launch kayaks and canoes at Sea Cloud Landing on Ocella Creek.
• 🎣 Fishing: Catch and release fishing at Jason's Lake on weekends for adults and youth.

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Rules and Regulations

• 🚫 No Pets: Dogs and horses are not allowed on the causeway or beach.
• 🍺 No Alcohol: Alcohol is prohibited on the property.
• 🔍 No Metal Detectors: Metal detectors are not allowed.
• 📸 No Drones: Drones are not permitted on the property.
• 🗑️ Leave No Trace: Visitors must clean up after themselves and not leave any items behind.
• 🐚 No Shell Collection: Removing shells or other natural items from the beach is prohibited.
• 🎟️ Day Pass: Visitors must obtain a day pass from the kiosk at the main gate.
• 🚗 Vehicle Restrictions: Only 15-passenger vans and smaller are allowed to tour the property.

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Accessibility

• ♿ Wheelchair Accessible: The causeway to the beach is wheelchair accessible.
• 🚗 Driving Tour: The self-guided driving tour provides excellent viewing opportunities for the mobility impaired.
• 🛤️ Trail Access: Some trails may be accessible, but check local conditions.
• 🅿️ Parking: Designated parking areas are available near the beach access and historical sites.
• 🗺️ Maps: Maps with informative descriptions are available at the information kiosk.
• 🚻 Facilities: Note that there are no restroom facilities on the property.
• 🛶 Kayak Launch: Accessible kayak and canoe launch at Sea Cloud Landing.
• 📞 Assistance: For more information, call (843) 869-2713.

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Visitor Information

• 📍 Location: Botany Bay Rd, Edisto Island, SC 29438
• 🕒 Hours: Open daily from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset, closed on Tuesdays and for scheduled hunts
• 💲 Entry Fee: Free, but visitors must obtain a day pass from the kiosk at the main gate
• 📞 Contact: For more information, call (843) 869-2713
• 🌐 Website: Visit the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website for more details
• 📅 Events: Check the calendar for scheduled hunts and special events
• 🗺️ Maps: Available at the information kiosk with detailed descriptions
• 🚗 Directions: Follow signage along Botany Bay Road to the park entrance

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Travel Information
📞   Phone: (843) 844-8957
🌐   Website: https://www2.dnr.sc.gov/ManagedLands/ManagedLand/ManagedLand/57
🕒   Hours: See hours
📍   Address: Botany Bay Rd, Edisto Island, SC 29438
🔗   Profiles:

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